Europe XI vs South America XI - Who would win this epic continental battle?
For the last decade, football has been dominated by Europe and South America. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has indeed reinforced that claim. Apart from Costa Rica, Mexico and Algeria to some extent, countries other than European and South American have found it next to impossible to stake their claim on the world stage.
Having said that, here are the respective playing XIs of Europe and South America, should they face each other in years to come.
SOUTH AMERICA XI
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo
Gulliermo Ochoa, Keylor Navas and Tim Krul may have stolen the headlines for their breathtaking performances between the posts, however, the performances of Claudio Bravo have not gone unnoticed. His performance against Spain was the perfect summary to the 31-year-old Chilean’s distinguished career.
Despite being knocked out by Brazil in heart breaking fashion, his stellar performance against their South American counterparts in Belo Horizonte earned him a €12 million move to Barcelona. Finding himself in an extremely close race with Columbian keeper David Ospina, Bravo finds himself millimeters ahead.
Defenders: Marcos Rojo – Diego Godin – Ezequiel Garay – Daniel Alves
Before the start of the World Cup, Marcos Rojo was a relatively unknown quantity. However, following an extraordinary run in the World Cup for Argentina, clubs have lined up in a bid to secure his services. In comarison with Marcelo and Patrice Evra, Rojo has a similar attacking mindset. His ability to create chances and confidence going forward has only gone on to enhance his reputation. In contrast to Marcelo, Rojo understands that his primary role is that of a defender, an additional quality he posses in his vast inventory. Left full backs are like rare birds, and Argentina definitely have one in Marcos Rojo.
He may not be the most flamboyant or skillful centre back, but Diego Godin’s commanding figure is sometimes all a manager needs in the heart of central defence. Godin went into the World Cup following a dream campaign with Ateltico Madrid. The World Cup proved to be a harsh reality for him as Uruguay exited the tournament caught in the cross-hairs of controversy.
One of the most important qualities of a centre back is resilience and it is something that Godin possesses in abundance. Apart from being a concrete wall for both club and country, Godin is one of the most dangerous players from set peices. His commanding figure in the opposition penalty area during corners makes him one of the most invaluable players to fill the center back role.
For the past couple of years, Ezequiel Garay has slowly risen as one of the most prolific centre backs in Europe. His physique makes him one of the most formidable defenders in the modern game. Apart from his outstanding performances in helping Argentina reach the final of the World Cup, his exploits in the UEFA Europa league has spoken volumes of his determination and ability. His consistent and resilient defending earned him a place in the 2013-14 UEFA Europa League squad of the season.
One of the most attack minded full backs in the world, Brazil’s Dani Alves has impressed one and all with his attacking prowess. Strength, stamina and speed are perhaps the most important attributes of a full back, and Alves possesses these attributes in abundance. Despite Scolari selecting Maicon ahead of him, Alves is perhaps the best right back in South America.
Midfield: Arturo Vidal – James Rodriguez – Lionel Messi
Since his move to Juventus in 2011, Arturo Vidal’s stock has risen and risen so high that he has been the subject of discussion every time the transfer window opens. Blessed with two fantastic football feet, Vidal is a natural passer of the ball. For both Juventus and Chile, Vidal has served as the connection between the right and left flanks. His role as the midfield linchpin has been performed to such great success that the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid have been reported to be interested in his services. Considered as one of the most complete midfielders in the modern game, Vidal’s ability to perform his defensive and attacking duties with such perfection makes him an important asset to the team.
Prior to the World Cup, Colombia’s James Rodriguez was a short and skinny lad who had cost AS Monaco €45 million. However, his exploits in Brazil forced his critics to eat their words. Winning the golden boot in the World Cup is merely an understatement given his immense talent. Gifted with a magic wand of a left foot, James Rodriguez scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history against Uruguay. Time just stood still, as the world watched the ball sail into the back of the net. That goal is the very definition of James Rodriguez. Everything about it was extraordinary – finesse, technique, skill, vision and power. Every four years, a star is born in the World Cup. And without a doubt, Rodriguez is that star.
Despite the number of achievements over the last few years, it is next to impossible to describe how important Lionel Messi is to a team’s cause. In recent years, although Messi has become slightly more predictable, he still comes up with the goals and performances when called upon to do so. Even though his World Cup winning dreams were quashed in heartbreaking fashion, he went on to win the Golden Ball – a fitting yet not so perfect tribute to the legend that he is. His leadership qualities were there for all to see as he led Argentina to the final, only for Mario Goetze’s goal to keep him away from the glory that he so richly deserves.
Forwards: Angel Di Maria – Alexis Sanchez – Neymar
Argentina’s Angel Di Maria announced his arrival in South Africa in the 2010 World Cup. Soon after, he was snapped up by Real Madrid and has not looked back ever since. Physically, he may not be the most appealing player; but what he lacks in terms of physique, he makes up for in finesse, pace and stamina. His performances for Real Madrid leading up to the 2014 World Cup have been nothing short of outstanding. His passing ability, intensity and speed on the ball definitely makes it impossible to leave him out of the starting XI.
Despite going from hero to villan in a matter of 120 minutes, Alexis Sanchez was an integral member in Chile’s World Cup campaign. He may not be the tallest player on the pitch, but he certainly is the strongest. Gifted with superhuman strength, dazzling skills and pace, he can play multiple positions including the number 9 role. Apart from that, Sanchez has also been recognized for his prolific goal scoring prowess. Following Chile’s World Cup exit, he was snapped up by Arsenal for a reported fee of £32 million.
Neymar has often lived up to the mountain of expectations on his shoulders and despite a quiet season with Barcelona, Neymar showed up at the World Cup full of promise. With Fred misfiring, and the Brazilian defence leaking goals, Neymar stepped up to the plate scoring goals and providing his side with the energy necessary to go all the way to the semi-final.
A serious back injury forced Neymar to sit on the sidelines and watch on helplessly as Brazil were absolutely blown away by a rampant Germany. However, Neymar found himself in the All Star XI, and certainly will be looking to make amends in the following World Cup in 2018.
Substitutes: David Ospina, Thiago Silva, Javier Mascherano, Edinson Cavani, Enner Valencia, Oscar
Europe XI, Key Battles and Prediction on Page 2